The Las Vegas Raiders have their quarterback of the future in Fernando Mendoza, but the second-most important decision of their draft may be who lines up to his right.
After locking up center Tyler Linderbaum with a record free-agent deal, the Raiders still have a glaring hole at right tackle. Kolton Miller anchors the left side, but his recent injury history and age make the position a long-term concern as well. Last year’s starter at right tackle, DJ Glaze, could move inside to guard, which would leave the position wide open.
The Raiders hold nine picks after selecting Mendoza first overall, and they are expected to address the offensive line early. Clemson’s Blake Miller and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor are potential second-round targets at No. 36 overall. Iheanachor, a raw but athletic prospect who didn’t play football until college, could develop into a star under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and line coach Rick Dennison.
If the Raiders wait on tackle, Boise State’s Kage Casey—a former teammate of running back Ashton Jeanty—is a name to watch later in the draft. At guard, Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon and Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge are mid-round options.
The Raiders also have several young players poised for bigger roles. Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant are second-year linemen who could take a step forward. Jackson Powers-Johnson can focus solely on guard now that Linderbaum has solidified center.
Later-round possibilities include Penn State tackle Drew Shelton, who fits the scheme but needs to add bulk, and Missouri guard Keagen Trost, who showed significant improvement last season.
With Mendoza under center, the Raiders know they must keep him upright. The draft offers the next opportunity to build a wall in front of him.


















